There are countless examples showing the hardships ordinary Nepalis face when the country’s diplomacy falters. Recently, Nepal has suffered significant losses due to the state’s failure to address injustices faced by migrant workers traveling abroad for employment. This is a direct consequence of diplomatic weakness and the inability to raise critical issues in a timely manner with countries where Nepal maintains diplomatic relations. A new provision requiring additional authentication of police clearance certificates (PCC) for Nepali workers heading to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has imposed an enormous financial burden on ordinary citizens. Although the Consular Services Department under Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already authenticated these documents, workers are now being forced to get them re-verified through the UAE Embassy in Nepal and private agencies. This creates unnecessary financial hardship for the public. What makes the situation worse is that this process has been imposed without any formal government decision, gazette notification, or public announcement, raising serious concerns about accountability.
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Previously, a police-issued character certificate authenticated by the Consular Services Department with a Rs 500 fee was accepted for the UAE visa process. However, the sudden rule change after December 4 has placed workers at a distinct disadvantage. Nepal Police, as an official government institution, should not have its certificates rejected, nor should intermediaries be allowed to charge exorbitant fees for re-authentication. The UAE Embassy has made it mandatory to authenticate these certificates through a private agency, VFS, for visa approval. Following this, workers are required to pay Rs 14,200 per individual. For Nepalis seeking employment abroad, many of whom are in difficult economic circumstances, this additional burden is unjustifiable. If this process was implemented without proper state approval, it becomes even more troubling. Failure to pay the fee results in visa denial. Last year, 177,000 Nepalis traveled to the UAE. By these numbers, strict enforcement of the new rule could see Rs 2.5134 billion leave the country, benefiting neither the workers nor Nepal’s economy. For a country supplying affordable labor to the UAE, imposing such a financial strain is unreasonable. Despite the scale of the problem, authorities have yet to act. Instead of making foreign employment easier and more accessible, the situation has become more difficult for Nepalis.
The impact of domestic unrest, such as the Gen-Z movement on September 8–9, and the release of individuals with criminal records from jail, has further tarnished Nepal’s image abroad. Foreign governments have tightened regulations to prevent individuals with criminal histories from entering their countries. Beyond domestic damage, Nepal’s international reputation has suffered. Nepali authorities do not issue character certificates to individuals with criminal backgrounds, yet the tendency to distrust and re-verify these documents—and to impose extra fees—remains highly objectionable. Those responsible for domestic movements failed to recognize the consequences of releasing criminal elements, and today, all Nepalis bear the cost. Several countries have already increased restrictions on Nepali travelers, and negative treatment is likely to continue. While these challenges arise from internal lapses, the Government of Nepal must reassure foreign governments and curb such practices. Authorities must ensure that individuals with criminal backgrounds are not allowed to leave the country and demonstrate readiness to maintain diplomatic relations on equal footing. Efforts must be made to enhance the dignity and credibility of the Nepali passport, ensuring that Nepalis traveling abroad are treated fairly and with respect.
